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Budget Bingo Tax

House! Gala Bingo celebrates as Osborne halves bingo tax

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By Natalie Mortimer, N/A

March 19, 2014 | 2 min read

Gala Bingo is celebrating after chancellor George Osborne announced that bingo tax duty is set to be halved from 20 per cent to 10 per cent in the 2014 Budget.

Speaking today (19 March), Osborne said that the number of bingo halls have “plummeted” by three quarters over the past 30 years, and praised the "vigorous" campaign to cut bingo duty. He added: “They want the rate cut to 15 per cent, I can go further – bingo duty will be halved to 10 per cent."

Over 300,000 people signed The Boost Bingo petition, run by The Bingo Association, to bring the tax in line with other betting shops, which is currently set at 15 per cent.

Simon Wykes, managing director, Gala Bingo said: "Gala Bingo is absolutely thrilled that the Government has recognised that bingo is a leisure pastime enjoyed by over three million people every year. By recognising that bingo is the softest form of gaming through the new taxation regime, the Government has given us the confidence to invest in new clubs and improved facilities for our members.

"I would like to thank all of our staff and customers for their support and hard work in the recent Boost Bingo campaign, the Government for listening and MPs from all parties who came out and supported our cause."

Miles Baron, chief executive of The Bingo Association, added: “This is the most fantastic news, everyone is absolutely delighted. The decision to reduce duty by 10 per cent means bingo clubs will get an even bigger boost than we had hoped for.”

It is hoped the decrease in duty will help to bolster the suffering industry.

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